How to make new friends when studying abroad

Studying abroad isn't like what you see in movies or on Instagram. - Ramya, master’s graduate in Digital Marketing from the University of Salford.

Having friends has been scientifically proven to make you happier and reduce stress, according to studies. Many studies also show that you can study better with a group of friends, especially when you study abroad. 

Studying abroad allows you to meet people from around the globe and opens doors to new experiences. Doing it yourself may be difficult, but with a group of friends, your study abroad experience can be that much better.

Friends can make you feel better mentally and even help you with your studies. You will feel motivated and avoid procrastination when you have friends on campus. 

In this article, we’ll explore:

• Ways to make new friends when studying abroad
• Some insights on studying abroad
• Practical tips to help you connect with other students

Ready to make new friends when studying abroad in your dream destination? Let’s get started. 

Join Facebook groups

Joining student groups on social media can be a great way to connect with other students. You can join Facebook groups or online forums for international students at your university and connect with other students.

You can contact the university’s international office to see if they can provide you with information. These groups and forums help students to connect, ask questions, and share experiences.

You can connect with local and international students, exchange study tips, get study notes or plan meetings.

💡Tip: You can introduce yourself by sending a friendly message when you join. You can also comment on other’s posts.

Attend university orientations, fairs, and events

Most universities have an orientation week, usually at the start of the course. This helps new students meet one another and learn about the university. It is a great networking opportunity to get international exposure! 

During the first few weeks of joining the university, friendship groups won’t have fully formed yet. This can be the best time to make friends. Many students would have travelled thousands of miles for their studies or left home for the first time and will be just as keen as you to find friends.

Attend university fairs to explore what your university has to offer. It could be job fairs or networking fairs. Universities also host events, such as cultural events, expos, or sports matches. 

💡Tip: Try to converse with other students when you can and start by introducing yourself. Follow up with them by exchanging numbers and arranging to meet later. 

Join student clubs or engage in extracurricular activities

Joining university student clubs and sports teams or engaging in other extracurricular activities is a great way to meet others with common interests. Many universities have international student societies and clubs to welcome all students. 

Plenty of activities are conducted in these societies. These can be great places to meet other international students looking to make friends. 

Remember that you’ll be conversing with many people and hearing about their experiences. Hence, participating in these activities will help you make new friends!

💡Tip: You could join the science club at your university or try joining a band if you like music. Joining a sports team is also a good option if you’re into sports. Find which club interests you the most.

Also read

• Quirky US student societies you should consider joining
• 8 strange and quirky societies you can join at UK universities
• UK or USA Which is better for Indian students?

Find a roommate

You will most likely stay in a student accommodation when you study abroad. Choosing somewhere you will share with others will allow you to create new connections. 

Roommates can offer emotional support when you face homesickness or academic stress.

You can choose an accommodation with one or many roommates. Sharing your living space can also help distribute living costs, making it more affordable when compared to renting private apartments.

Once you move in, you’ll get to know them better and eventually make friends sooner than expected! It might be their first time coming to a foreign country for studies, so they’ll be as eager as you to make new friends. 

💡Tip: Once you get along well with your roommates, you can plan weekly routines, like having dinner together or going out to get groceries. 

Also read: How to redecorate your university room on a budget

Initiate conversations

Start conversations with people you meet in class, at the university, or in other social gatherings. Initiating a conversation can lead to more connections. Ask questions about their interests and culture, and be a good listener.

Be open to meeting new people. Smile, greet people, and be approachable. People are more likely interested in talking to someone welcoming and friendly. 

Remember, the university is full of people from different countries and backgrounds. This gives you the chance to meet people from all walks of life

💡Tip: Students might hail from countries like India, China, or the United Kingdom and may have different study backgrounds. Asking them where they’re from can be a great way to kickstart the conversation. 

Volunteer 

Another way to make new friends when studying abroad is by volunteering. Volunteers do it out of love for something they like or a sense of charity. It’s also a great way to meet new people!

Doing so will allow you to interact with people who share your goals. You can strike up conversations more easily. You will probably see these people regularly and get to know them more as time goes on.

Volunteering is a great way of giving back to the community as well. This not only allows you to meet locals but also showcases your commitment to making a positive impact.

💡Tip: You could join a volunteering group to help aged people, or join a volunteering program at your university for organising events. 

Study together with other students

Studying together is a great way to get work done and socialise. Not only will you learn better by helping one another, but you’ll also make new friends. You can also get to meet students from other departments!

By interacting with your peers, you can figure out different study techniques and approaches and follow the best one suited for you. You could also clear your questions, or get notes from them, in case you missed any. 

You can decide a common time to meet with others, or even invite them over to your place. This way, you’ll be spending useful time with the other students and also stay on track with your lectures.

💡Tip: You can choose a common place to study, such as the university library or cafe, or a park near your campus to meet and study with other students.

Host a dinner or attend a party

A good excuse to get people out of their rooms and have fun in the kitchen - dinner. Don’t worry if you aren’t a good cook. You can take turns cooking with your roommates or friends or buy ready meals! 

If you want to bring together a group of people, this can be a great opportunity. You can also look for social gatherings, parties, or get-togethers on or off campus. 

These occasions often provide a relaxed and informal setting to meet new people and build connections. You may not feel like attending every event. Rather, you can plan out your time for a week and allocate time to socialise with people you enjoy. 

💡Tip: Don't decline invitations too often. Attending informal events can lead to unexpected connections!

Get a part-time job 

Working part-time while studying abroad is another opportunity to network. You can find a friend at work with similar interests!

Working part-time also helps in earning money, thus reducing financial stress. It also allows networking with industry professionals who can share their work experiences and insights with you.

You will meet people from different countries and backgrounds at work, and you can get to know more about them. You could also work as a teaching or research assistant at your university, which will help you meet students from different classes and departments. 

💡Tip: Your careers department at the university might have part-time jobs listed that you can check out. 

Also read:

• Your step-by-step guide to finding an internship abroad
• Part-time jobs in UK for international students
• High paid part time jobs in Canada
• Highest paying part-time jobs for international students
• Part-time jobs in Ireland for international students

Studying abroad is an amazing journey of opportunities for personal growth, career and friendship. Making friends in a foreign land is not as challenging as it may seem. 

Remember, the friendships you cultivate when you study abroad can become some of the most cherished aspects of your entire study abroad experience. So, step out of your comfort zone, be open to new experiences, and let the journey begin!

Want to make new friends when studying abroad in your dream destination? Talk to our friendly counsellors to know everything about studying abroad!